26 Essential Bible Verses for Cultivating Honor

In the Bible, honor is a deeply valued attribute that is often associated with respect, dignity, and obedience. Throughout the scriptures, there are numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated honor in their lives, and the stories they tell continue to inspire us today. One such story is found in the book of Genesis, where we read about Joseph and his journey from slavery to becoming the second-in-command of Egypt.

Joseph was a man of great integrity and honor, even in the face of temptation and adversity. When he was sold into slavery by his own brothers, he remained faithful to God and eventually rose to a position of power in Potiphar's household. Despite being tempted by Potiphar's wife to betray his master's trust, Joseph refused her advances and instead chose to honor his commitments to God and his employer.

Later, when Joseph was falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison, he again demonstrated his unwavering sense of honor by interpreting the dreams of two fellow prisoners and asking only that they remember him when they were released. Ultimately, Joseph's ability to maintain his honor and trust in God led him to be elevated to a position of power in Egypt, where he was able to save his family and the entire nation from starvation.

The story of Joseph highlights the importance of honor and integrity in our lives, and there are many Bible verses that speak to this theme. In this article, we will explore some of the most powerful Bible verses about honor and what they can teach us about living a life of integrity and respect.

Honor God

1 Samuel 2:30

Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares, “I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,” but now the Lord declares, “Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”

Psalm 22:23

"You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!"

Proverbs 3:9

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.”

Proverbs 14:32

“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”

Malachi 1:6

"A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the LORD Almighty. "It is you priests who show contempt for my name. But you ask, 'How have we shown contempt for your name?'"

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Hebrews 12:28

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,"

Revelation 4:9-11

"Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.'"

Honor Your Father and Mother

Exodus 20:12

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

Proverbs 19:26

“He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.”

Proverbs 20:20

"If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness."

Proverbs 23:22

“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”

Ephesians 6:1-2

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Colossians 3:20

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

1 Timothy 5:3-4

"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."

Honor your Pastor

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Galatians 6:6

“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.”

1 Timothy 5:17-19

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

Honor Authority

Mark 12:17

And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.

Romans 13:1

"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God."

Romans 13:7

"Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

1 Timothy 2:1-2

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

Titus 3:1

“Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.”

1 Peter 2:17

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.